Walmart Pasta and Meatballs linked to Listeria Outbreak that sickened 17 – killing 3.

As of June 18, 2025, a total of, 17 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 13 states. Sick people’s samples were collected on dates ranging from August 1, 2024, to May 27, 2025. Illnesses started on dates ranging from July 24, 2024, to May 10, 2025. Of 17 people with information available, 16 have been hospitalized and 3 deaths have been reported from Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. One pregnancy associated illness resulted in a fetal loss.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat meals containing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated pre-cooked pasta that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). FSIS expects more updates as this investigation continues. As more information becomes available, FSIS will update this public health alert. Consumers should check back frequently because additional products may be added.

The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]:

• 12-oz. clear plastic tray packages labeled “MARKETSIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE” with “best if used by” dates SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025.

The product bears establishment number “EST. 50784” or “EST. 47718” inside the USDA mark of inspection. This item was shipped to Walmart locations nationwide.

The producing company collected samples of the FDA-regulated, pre-cooked pasta used as an ingredient in these products as part of the ongoing investigation related to the Listeria outbreak linked to chicken fettuccine alfredo meals. The test confirmed that the linguine pasta was positive for Lm and further testing is ongoing to determine if the Lm is genetically related to the specific outbreak strain. FSIS previously issued a recall notice linked to the Listeria outbreak in June and continues to coordinate with FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health partners.

Consumption of food contaminated with Lm can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

Listeria:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Listeria outbreaks. The Listeria lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Listeria and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $900 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Listeria lawyers have litigated Listeria cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of foods, such as lettuce, polony, deli meat, cantaloupe, cheese, celery and milk.   

If you or a family member became ill with a Listeria infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Listeria attorneys for a free case evaluation.

Additional Resources:

• About Listeria – a complete online resource for Listeria information
• Family Health Guide About Listeria infection, or Listeriosis (pdf)
• Listeria News
• Listeria Lawsuits

Republished with permission from Bill Marler and Marler Clark. Copyright (c) Marler Clark LLP, PS. All rights reserved.